TPMS to the Rescue!

[Ronman]

TST 507's. Love them. We had a flat on our TV and the system worked as advertised.

[mbenson1234]

Originally Posted by Wconley

It's not the Marathon's fault, I swear! Today, tooling along at 65 on I-82 in Washington, our TPMS went bonkers showing the pressure on the right rear trailer tire dropping fast. By the time we pulled over it was down to 23psi. I assumed one of my 4YO Marathon's had suffered a blowout as one of my winter projects is to replace them all for prevention of such an event. However, it turns out we picked up some sharp metal that sliced cleanly through the tread.

Not having practiced this in my driveway I was pleased that it took only 30 minutes from start to finish to get the front tire up on blocks, remove the flat, drop the spare and install it and finally be back on the road again.

We stopped at the next Les Schwab in Sunnyside, WA where they repaired the tire, remounted it, checked it for leaks and reinstalled it on the trailer in another quick 30 minutes. All for free and with a smile! Les Schwab in Sunnyside rocks big time!

Lessons learned:
1) TPMS quickly alerted us to the flat, possibly saving thou$ands in damage if we had continued driving on the flat.(Thanks Ryan Lex)
2) If you haven't practiced changing a tire, at least read through the instructions and make sure you understand every step. We had a sunny afternoon today. Had it been a rainy night, getting Everything done might have been harder.
3) Make sure you have enough blocks to get the second tire off the ground.
4) Thankfully I had a long breaker bar which made quick work of loosening the lug nuts. (Maybe I should have a torque wrench to keep from over-tightening the lug nuts)
5) It's not that hard if you have the right tools.

Hello,

Glad no one was injured, and no damage. What TPMS do you use? TST?

Thanks,

Mike Benson
TST TPMS
210-420-0132

[Mollysdad]

I've been trying to space out my major expenses after buying the AS, so my checking account doesn't look so bad, but I was hoping to put the TPMS off for a month or two.
I have GYE and I bought a laser temp gauge from Harbor Freight to monitor tire pressure when I stop for gas, but you all are convincing me to make the leap to the TPMS sooner than later.

I think the all around best unit seems to be the EEZ Tire Monitor.
Why does everything need to be $250+???
Big coupler lock, Viair 400, hitch, generator, tonneau, and lots of smaller items like fancy gas cans. For a while, my dining room looked like Camping World!

[rperrym]

Also getting ready to add the TPMS to my newest Airstream, but was wondering if I needed to take my tires off and have a tire store install the solid steel valves first. Has everyone done that before putting the sensors on?
Thanks,

Rick

[TRIPPPIN]

I recommend internal TPMS especially if you are thinking of changing the valve stems. I have the Dill trailer Tpms from Tire Rack for only $280 which includes the stem. The batteries should last 8 years which is the approximate the life of the tires. Works like internal TPMS on your car so I expect to replace the senders like I have on done my car when needed after 8 years and new tires installed.

https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Dil...sure%20Monitor

[rperrym]

Thanks. That is an option but I already have the TST system from a previous motorhome.

Rick

[OriginalMrT]

Don't know about all the different brands this is from the EEZ FAQ

29. Can I use the sensors on rubber valve stems?

Answer: Steel valve stems are ultimately recommended. It is not recommended using the Flow Through (2 1/2 inch) on a rubber stem. It is recommended you use rubber valve stem supports on your rubber stems. There are 2 types; one that goes over the rubber stem and clips onto the edge of the rim, the other that adheres to the rim and support the rubber stem from the side. You can do a Google search for "rubber valve stem support." The primary issue with rubber stems is where the rubber stems come through the metal rim. With extra wear and vibration the rim can start to cut into the valve stem. You always want to make sure on your walk around to wiggle the rubber stems and listen for air leakage through any stem, particularly where it comes out the rim.There are many variables that can affect your decision whether to use a sensor on a rubber valve stem, with every rig it can be different: its tires, weight, load distribution to name a few. When ever you have a question regarding your tires we always recommend you consult a tire professional to determine what is best for your rig.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by TRIPPPIN

I recommend internal TPMS especially if you are thinking of changing the valve stems. I have the Dill trailer Tpms from Tire Rack for only $280 which includes the stem.
https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Dil...sure%20Monitor

How is the range? Any drop outs because the transmitter is farther from the receiver?
Did you take the tires off and have them mounted? How much did the dealer charge?

I read (here) that you cannot set the low alarm pressure? Yes?
Does the display show pressure constantly or only when low?

[MWBishop]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I've been trying to space out my major expenses after buying the AS, so my checking account doesn't look so bad, but I was hoping to put the TPMS off for a month or two.

Me too. I thought most big stuff about over, but NOOooo. Just today ordered Equalizer. Now I read very convincing reasons for TPMS. Sigh...guess it never stops.

[tvketchum]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Either all steel or all brass, except for the sealing washer.

The aluminum wheels on our 08 Classic will not accept full metal stems. The steel spare wheel does. I hope that the factory will, if not already has, consider having the wheels designed for full metal stems.